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by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Vimut Hospital and Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS) have launched their Smart Hospital campaign using the telecommunications company’s 5G solution and digital services. Tanapong Ittisakulchai, chief enterprise business officer at AIS, said the campaign is part of the firm’s mission to leverage digital technology in strengthening the Thai economy and enhancing Thai society. The executive added that AIS has worked with partners in various industries to integrate advanced technology into their services.The smart hospital program is expected to serve as a model for satisfying modern lifestyles. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Under the initiative, the telecommunications company will lay down digital infrastructure at Vimut Hospital, as well as develop a platform and application to provide services for patients. The 5G network will be used in information and communications technology (ICT) management, as well as to facilitate a data center, cloud contact center and other services including telemedicine. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Local officials getting drunk on government property - District chief calls investigation Daily News Thai Caption: The truth is sought The chief of Huai Thap Than district in Sisaket in Thailand's north east sent in his deputies to investigate after a social media clip showed local officials getting drunk on government property. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259278-local-officials-getting-drunk-on-government-property-district-chief-calls-investigation/

Daily News Thai Caption: The truth is sought The chief of Huai Thap Than district in Sisaket in Thailand's north east sent in his deputies to investigate after a social media clip showed local officials getting drunk on government property. The clear footage, according to Daily News, showed alcohol being consumed as tipsy officers sang "Happy Birthday" and guzzled cake. Sithisomchai Pongthanu went to the Kluay Kwang sub-district with his entourage and discovered that the place in question resembled the scene of the party. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe But those who were present in the offices said they had no idea about the party. Delving deeper Daily News said their sources suggested that the office was largely empty as the local goverment officers were out oragnising a Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival) event that is imminent. But they said that all the locals know what has been going on and they quoted a former phu yai baan (village leader) as saying that it was highly inappropriate behaviour. Decisive action was expected from the district chief once reports reach his desk, they noted. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

Chinese Demand for Thai Durians Strong Amid Rising Costs, Delayed Shipments by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai durians have been gaining in popularity among Chinese consumers in recent years, with exports of the fruit now four times what they were in 2017. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259276-chinese-demand-for-thai-durians-strong-amid-rising-costs-delayed-shipments/

by Paul Rujopakarn BANGKOK (NNT) - Thai durians have been gaining in popularity among Chinese consumers in recent years, with exports of the fruit now four times what they were in 2017. Citing reports from China’s official Xinhua news agency, Thailand’s Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives said demand continues to climb despite rising prices and shipment delays due to China’s “Zero COVID” Policy. Alongkorn Ponlaboot, advisor to the Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister, noted that the Kradum Thong, Kan Yao, and Puang Manee durian strains have also been gaining traction not far behind the immensely popular Mom Thong strain. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Xinhua recently reported that a shipment of 100 boxes of durian arrived in Guangxi, where they were quickly sold out after being distributed to retailers. Durians remain among the most popular Thai products, with exports to China in 2021 being four times what they were in 2017. -- © Copyright NNT 2022-05-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Politicians make jokes about mental health and gullibility Daily News Thai Caption "Tham Pay Dai!" - Can Do! Thai media Daily News reported offhand comments at the end of yesterday's cabinet meeting from both the PM Prayuth Chan-ocha and one of his deputies, health minister Anutin Charnvirakul. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259274-politicians-make-jokes-about-mental-health-and-gullibility/

Daily News Thai Caption "Tham Pay Dai!" - Can Do! Thai media Daily News reported offhand comments at the end of yesterday's cabinet meeting from both the PM Prayuth Chan-ocha and one of his deputies, health minister Anutin Charnvirakul. The former questioned the gullibility of Thais while the latter made a crass joke about mental health issues. Everyone present laughed, sniggered and chuckled - thinking it hilarious. In many countries they would be brought to task for such comments - in Thailand they will probably be allowed to get away with it, notes ASEAN NOW. The comments came as the subject of the weird cult in the NE came up. A white haired mystic by the name of Phra Bida has been arrested and bailed on four charges. One relates in particular to the cult promoting the ingestion of bodily fluids like phlegm, urine, feces and skin scrapings for good health. Prayuth said that he intends to let the Buddhist Council sort out the mess that has damaged the Buddhist religion. He said that he didn't understand how people could believe the cult's claims calling the ingestion of bodily fluids "toorate" meaning "disgusting". "I don't understand how the (Thai) people can believe such nonsense," he stated. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Many of his critics have said just the same thing when it comes to people believing the former general's statements over the last 8 years since he grabbed power, notes ASEAN NOW. Some suggest he dismisses criticism of his record out of hand. Not to be outdone as cabinet members digested the PM's comments, was controversial health chief Anutin. "What is it with Thai society and cults?" he mused, before joking: "On social media they all call me Phra Bida but at Sri Thanya I am just called a patient". There were many guffaws with no one able to hide their amusement, said Daily News. The media didn't need to explain to the Thai public but ASEAN NOW notes that Sri Thanya is one of Thailand's leading and most respected psychiatric hospitals. Mentioning Sri Thanya in this offhand manner is a bit like referring to outdated mental health jibes like "loony bin". And belittling mental health issues. This from the country's supposed health chief. All those present thought he was hilarious. In other comments the PM said that a public forum to answer people's questions at Paragon shopping center in Bangkok on Thursday 19th May would go ahead with DPMs answering questions submitted via the National Economic and Social Development Council. Prayuth said he would be going abroad for 4/5 days and would leave his deputies to defend the government's record. There were no laughs when this was raised. Daily News called Anutin "Sia Noo" (mighty mouse) in their opening paragraph, referencing his wealth (he's a billionaire) and nickname. Prayuth was not called Big Too as he is usually referred to in the Thai press. This utilizes the Thai word "too" meaning to grab by force. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

PM Departs for US to Attend ASEAN-US Summit BANGKOK, May 11 (TNA) – Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha departed for Washington DC on May 11 to attend the 2nd ASEAN-US Special Summit , said Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259266-pm-departs-for-us-to-attend-asean-us-summit/

BANGKOK, May 11 (TNA) – Prime Minister and Defense Minister Gen. Prayut Chan-o-cha departed for Washington DC on May 11 to attend the 2nd ASEAN-US Special Summit , said Government Spokesperson Thanakorn Wangboonkongchana. The Prime Minister's visit is upon an invitation of US President Joe Biden to leaders of ASEAN member countries, following several rounds of negotiations over the dates for the summit. At the 2nd ASEAN-US Special Summit, ASEAN and the United States are set to convene a Special Summit to celebrate 45 years of the ASEAN-US Dialogue Relations, and discuss ways and means to intensify cooperation in various areas. Full story: https://tna.mcot.net/english-news-939641 -- © Copyright Thai News Agency 2022-05-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Out of date Thai driving license? Hurry up to avoid fines and retesting says Thai media Picture: Sanook Thai media Sanook Auto have advised the public of the regulations and what to do if their driving licenses are out of date. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259265-out-of-date-thai-driving-license-hurry-up-to-avoid-fines-and-retesting-says-thai-media/

Picture: Sanook Thai media Sanook Auto have advised the public of the regulations and what to do if their driving licenses are out of date. Many people have found themselves with out of date licences after the closures of the pandemic or just absent mindedness, suggested the media. Firstly, if you want to renew a 2 year or 5 year licence you can do so 3 months ahead of the expiry date. These licences can be renewed with no problems up to one year after they expired with no fines or problems. But if they have expired from 1 to 3 years in duration the user will have to resit a 50 question E-exam with the requirement to get 45/50 or 90% to pass. Failure means coming back to do it again. For expired licenses over 3 years you need to do training and tests just as if you were getting a new one. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe Documents required for both 2 year and 5 year licences are the original licence, Thai ID card and an acceptable medical certificate. Foreigners need other ID, notes ASEAN NOW. Documents need to be presented at a Land Department office where color blind and other sight and foot tests are conducted and one hour training is given (unless this is done online before at www.dlt-elearning.com) Sanook also asked if your expired license would be a problem if you had an accident. Would insurance still be valid? The answer was that with most insurance companies insurance would still be valid as the old one could be used in the process of claiming. But the police would fine you up to 2,000 baht for having an out of date licence. -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

COVID-19 - May 11: Thailand reports 7,650 new coronavirus cases, 9,322 recoveries, 56 deaths Graphic: ASEAN NOW Thailand on Wednesday (May 11) reported 7,650 new COVID-19 cases, 9,322 recoveries and 56 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. https://aseannow.com/topic/1259257-covid-19-may-11-thailand-reports-7650-new-coronavirus-cases-9322-recoveries-56-deaths/ //CLOSED// /Admin

COVID-19 - May 11: Thailand reports 7,650 new coronavirus cases, 9,322 recoveries, 56 deaths Graphic: ASEAN NOW Thailand on Wednesday (May 11) reported 7,650 new COVID-19 cases, 9,322 recoveries and 56 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. https://aseannow.com/topic/1259257-covid-19-may-11-thailand-reports-7650-new-coronavirus-cases-9322-recoveries-56-deaths/

Graphic: ASEAN NOW Thailand on Wednesday (May 11) reported 7,650 new COVID-19 cases, 9,322 recoveries and 56 additional deaths over the past 24 hours. Wednesday’s cases bring the total number of COVID-19 infections in Thailand to 4,345,218 with 29,252 deaths. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information

US-ASEAN Summit needs concrete results to be more than a talkshop OPINION | By Thai PBS World’s Regional Desk US President Joe Biden took part in the ASEAN-US Summit on the sidelines of the 2021 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits held online on a live video conference in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. (Photo by Handout / ASEAN Summit 2021 / AFP) The leaders of ASEAN countries will meet with US President Joe Biden in Washington D.C. on May 12-13 for a special summit to commemorate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259250-us-asean-summit-needs-concrete-results-to-be-more-than-a-talkshop/

US President Joe Biden took part in the ASEAN-US Summit on the sidelines of the 2021 Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summits held online on a live video conference in Bandar Seri Begawan, Brunei. (Photo by Handout / ASEAN Summit 2021 / AFP) OPINION | By Thai PBS World’s Regional Desk The leaders of ASEAN countries will meet with US President Joe Biden in Washington D.C. on May 12-13 for a special summit to commemorate the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two sides. It is the second special summit being held in the US since Barack Obama hosted the first one on February 15-16, 2016 in Sunnylands, California. This will be the first in-person engagement between leaders of the two sides since 2017 when then-president Donald Trump attended a summit with ASEAN leaders in Manila. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe President Biden extended an invitation to leaders of ASEAN countries for a meeting in person when he attended a virtual summit in October 2021, at which he also announced a $102-million package to engage with Southeast Asia on a wide range of issues, including recovery from COVID-19, health security, climate change, stimulating economic growth and promotion of gender equality. Full story: https://www.thaipbsworld.com/us-asean-summit-needs-concrete-results-to-be-more-than-a-talkshop/ -- © Copyright Thai PBS 2022-05-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Woman dies after being attacked in Thalang, Phuket by her brother’s dogs By Goong Nang(GN) Thalang, Phuket – A woman has been pronounced dead after being attacked by her brother’s dogs at a house in the Thalang district yesterday morning (May 10th). Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259247-woman-dies-after-being-attacked-in-thalang-phuket-by-her-brother’s-dogs/

By Goong Nang(GN) Thalang, Phuket – A woman has been pronounced dead after being attacked by her brother’s dogs at a house in the Thalang district yesterday morning (May 10th). Emergency responders were notified of the incident at 10:00 A.M. at a house in Baan Bang Pae in the Paklok sub-district. Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe They arrived at the house to find the body of the woman who was later identified as Ms. Sarinrat Laongpanitchakun, 38, bleeding heavily on a balcony in front of the house. About three severe wounds were found on her neck on the left side which were likely to be from fangs. Blood was found on the two dogs’ hair and mouths. Ms. Supakwee Tortip, 38, told the Phuket Express, “She was my colleague. I called her at 7:00 A.M. but had no answer. I came to her house where she lived with her family. Full story: https://thephuketexpress.com/2022/05/10/woman-dies-after-being-attacked-in-thalang-phuket-by-her-brothers-dogs/ -- © Copyright The Phuket Express 2022-05-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

Outrage over Thai public school that forces kindergarten students to wear military uniforms By Erich Parpart A Thai public school faces online criticism for making kindergarten students wear four different uniforms in one week, including what appeared to be a military uniform. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259246-outrage-over-thai-public-school-that-forces-kindergarten-students-to-wear-military-uniforms/

By Erich Parpart A Thai public school faces online criticism for making kindergarten students wear four different uniforms in one week, including what appeared to be a military uniform. Parkphoom Dejhatsadin, a medical technologist who also runs a popular Facebook page posted the announcement of a Bangkok public school to parents informing them of the required uniforms ahead of the new school term on May 17. The post received more than 16,000 shares in less than five hours. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The four uniforms for kindergarten students at the school include a normal uniform for Monday and Tuesday, a physical education uniform for Wednesday, a soldier uniform for Thursday and an ASEAN uniform for Friday. Full story: https://www.thaienquirer.com/40018/outrage-over-thai-public-school-that-forces-kindergarten-students-to-wear-military-uniforms/ -- © Copyright Thai Enquirer 2022-05-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

PM is running out of time and confidence as opposition plots heave against him in June or July by Joseph O' Connor On Tuesday, an intervention by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan (inset left) led to assurances that the premier’s arch-foe and former minister, Thamanat Prompow (inset right), who is thought to have been behind a plot to topple the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (centre) last September, that nearly succeeded, would not be meeting Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Yuttapong Charasathien as reported earlier on May 23rd next Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259245-pm-is-running-out-of-time-and-confidence-as-opposition-plots-heave-against-him-in-june-or-july/

On Tuesday, an intervention by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan (inset left) led to assurances that the premier’s arch-foe and former minister, Thamanat Prompow (inset right), who is thought to have been behind a plot to topple the government of Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha (centre) last September, that nearly succeeded, would not be meeting Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Yuttapong Charasathien as reported earlier on May 23rd next to discuss the opposition party’s efforts to put together over 30 defectors from the government needed to vote it down in a no-confidence motion expected in late June or early July. Mr Thamanat is currently secretary-general of the Setthakij Thai Party (Thai Economic Party) which can muster 18 MPs, former Palang Pracharat Party members who were expelled from the party earlier in the year for demanding changes in the government. by Joseph O' Connor Embattled PM stresses that his government has preserved peace and stability and says any radical plans to boost incomes and address inequality will require a far bigger budget. It comes as the country’s political affairs look set to be clarified in late June or July once the new voting laws are passed by parliament. There are growing indications of a plot by opposition parties to bring down the government at the end of June or early July once key voting bills have been passed into law. On Tuesday, amid reports that the Pheu Thai Party deputy leader Yuttapong Charasathien and Captain Thamanat Prompow of the newly relaunched Setthakij Thai Party (Thai Economic Party) were planning to meet, an urgent intervention by Deputy Prime Minister Prawit Wongsuwan was called upon. It comes only days after reported bribes of up to ฿30 million were reported as being offered to some MPs to defect from the government benches amid a growing lack of confidence in the economy with a beleaguered government leader who is running out of time. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe On Tuesday, the Deputy Prime Minister, Prawit Wongsuwan was called on to intervene after it was reported that the newly installed Secretary-general of the Setthakij Thai Party (Thai Economic Party), Thamanat Prompow, has been linked to a move by the opposition to unseat Prime Minister Prayut Chan ocha in June or July when a no-confidence motion is expected to be tabled following the second and third readings of the new voting laws. Full story: https://www.thaiexaminer.com/thai-news-foreigners/2022/05/10/pm-prayut-chan-ocha-running-out-of-time-as-plots-rise/ -- © Copyright Thai Examiner 2022-05-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates

With gold falling is buying Thai real estate a better bet ANALYSIS | by Michael Bridge file photo It remains one of the world's fastest-growing economies and owning property in Thailand has been a fashionable way to profit from the nation's rise. Full story: https://aseannow.com/topic/1259244-with-gold-falling-is-buying-thai-real-estate-a-better-bet/

file photo ANALYSIS | by Michael Bridge It remains one of the world's fastest-growing economies and owning property in Thailand has been a fashionable way to profit from the nation's rise. The country still remains one of Asia's more promising markets as it opens to foreign investment, especially with the expansion of the Eastern Corridor. So, what is predicted to happen to house prices in 2022? Thailand Property Market Index, the Price Index of Bangkok residential property has been decreasing since Q4 2020. It decreased from 197 points to 190 points in Q1 2021, to 183 points in the following quarter, and to 178 points in Q3 2021. Overall, the Price Index decreased by 11% compared to the same period in 2020. Keep up to date with all things Thailand - Join our daily ASEAN NOW Thailand Newsletter - Click to subscribe The index however did report that the locations with the highest price growth are mostly located around city fringes, and the outskirts of Bangkok. Meanwhile CBRE the international real estate agents stated in their 2022 Thailand Real Estate Market Outlook that low-rise properties will be popular. They state that with no new projects launched in the Bangkok downtown condominium market in almost three quarters, for the first time in history, strong demand for low-rise housing continues. This is as buyers’ preferences shift to low density, larger and more adaptable spaces. This year, developers will cautiously consider new projects which have to cater for domestic real demand. Is buying a condominium in Bangkok a good investment? Under the right circumstances, buying a condo in Thailand can be a rewarding purchase and normally has been a good investment. If you are a foreigner interested in buying a condo in Thailand, there are a few issues you need to be aware of. Remember foreigners may only own 49% of a single condo development, although it is hoped to assist sales that this rule maybe amended. Who to believe? Some experts say that with fewer mortgages being agreed and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis that has been worsened by the Russia-Ukraine war, prices may stay stagnant. However, the bottom line is the fact that in times of crisis people have turned to gold to hedge their bets. But gold prices fell to a near three-month low on Monday, the gold bar has lost some of its sparkle. So maybe if the developers wish to move units quickly, they may start to reduce or offer some crazy deals for cash buyers. If you are keen golfer, owning a villa on a course designed by Jack Nicklaus might tick all the boxes, especially if you do not need a mortgage. At the end of the day if you are buying for yourself as a home to live in and not for investment, then now could be an excellent time to pick up a real bargain in a fantastic location. As they say, location, location, location…...and of course cash is always king! -- © Copyright ASEAN NOW 2022-05-11 - Cigna offers a range of visa-compliant plans that meet the minimum requirement of medical treatment, including COVID-19, up to THB 3m. For more information on all expat health insurance plans click here. - Follow ASEAN NOW on LINE for breaking COVID-19 updates Get your business in front of millions of customers who read ASEAN NOW with an interest in Thailand every month - email [email protected] for more information